# Turkish political system revision proposals

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-political-system-revision-proposals
> Updated: 2026-09-04T11:01:37.000Z. Sources: 55. Developments: 2.

Discussions regarding the revision of Turkey’s political and electoral frameworks have emerged from both the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). AKP officials have drafted a proposal to modify the Presidential Government System to adjust the balance between executive and legislative powers. This plan seeks to avoid a full return to a parliamentary system while introducing changes such as transferring certain presidential powers to the Cabinet, reinstating an undersecretary system, and requiring ministers to be appointed from Parliament. The proposal also aims to increase parliamentary oversight by requiring ministers to participate in bi-weekly oversight sessions and answer oral questions.

MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli has signaled support for maintaining the current Presidential Government System for the sake of political stability. Rather than structural changes to the executive branch, the MHP advocates for legislative updates to the Political Parties Law and election regulations. Proposed reforms include establishing stricter rules for political alliances and potentially requiring candidates to hold party membership for a specific period to prevent frequent transfers between parties.

Recent organizational activities include several MHP provincial congresses in Konya, Kayseri, Hatay, Erzurum, and Malatya, where various local leaders were re-elected. During these proceedings, MHP leaders emphasized the goal of a ‘terror-free Turkey’ and reiterated the desire to strengthen the existing presidential model through legislative means.

Concurrently, the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Parti) held its 5th Ordinary Grand Congress in Ankara, re-electing co-chairs Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan. The party announced the launch of a ‘Democratic Republic Movement’ focused on social peace and addressing the Kurdish issue within a democratic framework, while undergoing a significant renewal of its Party Assembly, with approximately 40 percent of its members being new appointments.

## Claims

- Devlet Bahçeli supports maintaining the Presidential Government System while seeking to strengthen it through legal reforms. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- MHP advocates for revisions to the Political Parties Law and election legislation rather than returning to a parliamentary system. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- MHP Deputy Chairman Feti Yıldız stated that new election and political party laws will be developed through broad consensus. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Proposed election reforms include imposing membership requirements for candidates appearing on different party lists. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- At least 30 Turkish citizens are required to establish a new political party without prior permission. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Devlet Bahçeli expressed surprise at the 467 votes received by the framework law in the Grand National Assembly. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: Turkish political parties hold major congresses

Turkish political parties MHP and DEM Party are holding major congresses, with MHP re-electing provincial leaders and DEM Party re-electing its co-chairs while launching a 'Democratic Republic Movement'.

49 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/devlet-baheli-opposes-changes-to-turkeys-presidential-system

### 2026-08-26: AKP officials propose revision to Turkey’s Presidential Government System

AKP officials have drafted a proposal to revise Turkey’s Presidential Government System, suggesting the transfer of some presidential powers to the Cabinet and the reinstatement of the undersecretary system.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-debates-constitutional-reform-and-redistribution-of-presidential-powers

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Cite as: Turkish political system revision proposals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-political-system-revision-proposals